Early Life and Education of George W. Bush: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of George W. Bush. From birth to education, explore key events.

George W. Bush, the 43rd U.S. President (2001-2009), is a Republican politician, businessman, and former U.S. Air Force officer. The son of President George H.W. Bush, he previously served as the 46th Governor of Texas (1995-2000). His presidency was largely defined by the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001, which led to the launch of the War on Terror, including military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Domestically, he enacted education reform legislation known as No Child Left Behind and signed tax cuts into law. His administration also faced criticism for its handling of Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 financial crisis.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

July 6, 1946: George W. Bush's Birth

On July 6, 1946, George Walker Bush was born in New Haven, Connecticut, the first child of George Herbert Walker Bush and Barbara Pierce.

1953: Death of Sister Robin

In 1953, George W. Bush's younger sister, Robin, died from leukemia at the age of three.

1964: Attended Yale University

In 1964, George W. Bush began attending Yale University.

1968: Graduated from Yale University

In 1968, George W. Bush graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

1973: Entered Harvard Business School

In the fall of 1973, George W. Bush entered Harvard Business School.

1975: Graduated from Harvard Business School

In 1975, George W. Bush graduated from Harvard Business School with an M.B.A. degree, becoming the only U.S. president to have earned the degree.

September 4, 1976: Arrested for Driving Under the Influence

On September 4, 1976, George W. Bush was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Kennebunkport, Maine.

1977: Met and Married Laura Welch

In 1977, George W. Bush met Laura Welch, a schoolteacher and librarian, and they married on November 5 after a three-month courtship.

November 25, 1981: Birth of Twin Daughters

On November 25, 1981, Laura Bush gave birth to fraternal twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna.

1986: Gave Up Alcohol

In 1986, George W. Bush attributes his decision to give up alcohol to the influence of his wife, Laura.

June 10, 2000: Proclaimed Jesus Day in Texas

On June 10, 2000, George W. Bush proclaimed Jesus Day in Texas.

2000: Immigration to the U.S.

Nearly eight million immigrants came to the U.S. from 2000.

September 11, 2001: September 11th Terrorist Attacks

On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks reshaped George W. Bush's administration, leading to the War on Terror and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

2001: Beginning of Condoleezza Rice's Tenure as National Security Advisor

In 2001, Condoleezza Rice began her tenure as George W. Bush's National Security Advisor, serving until 2005.

2002: No Child Left Behind Act Signed into Law

In early 2002, George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law, which aimed to measure and close the gap between rich and poor student performance, provide options to parents with students in low-performing schools, and target more federal funding to low-income schools.

2005: Condoleezza Rice Becomes Secretary of State

In 2005, Condoleezza Rice became George W. Bush's Secretary of State, serving until 2009.

2005: Immigration to the U.S.

Nearly eight million immigrants came to the U.S. from 2005, more than in any other five-year period in the nation's history.

March 2009: First post-presidency speech and Colbert Report appearance

In March 2009, George W. Bush delivered his first post-presidency speech in Calgary, Alberta, appeared via video on The Colbert Report, and attended the funeral of Senator Ted Kennedy.

April 2009: Attends Texas Rangers game

In April 2009, George W. Bush attended a Texas Rangers game and thanked the people of Dallas for welcoming him, receiving a standing ovation.

November 5, 2009: Visit to Fort Hood shooting survivors

On November 5, 2009, following the Fort Hood shooting, George W. Bush and Laura Bush paid an undisclosed visit to the survivors and the victims' families.

2009: End of Condoleezza Rice's Tenure as Secretary of State

In 2009, Condoleezza Rice's tenure as George W. Bush's Secretary of State came to an end.

January 2010: Establishment of Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

In January 2010, at President Obama's request, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton established the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to raise contributions for relief and recovery efforts after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

2010: Attends Texas Rangers playoff games

In 2010, George W. Bush attended every home playoff game during the Texas Rangers' season and threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for Game 4 of the 2010 World Series on October 31, accompanied by his father.

May 2, 2011: Obama Informing Bush of bin Laden's Death

On May 2, 2011, President Obama called George W. Bush to inform him that Osama bin Laden had been killed.

August 6, 2013: Bush treated for coronary artery blockage

On August 6, 2013, George W. Bush was successfully treated for a coronary artery blockage with a stent. The blockage was discovered during a routine medical examination.

November 19, 2013: Appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno"

On November 19, 2013, George W. Bush and his wife Laura appeared on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno". Bush stated that he does not comment publicly about the Obama administration because he believes it's not good for the country for a former president to criticize his successor.

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2016: Response to Dallas police shooting

In 2016, George W. Bush responded to the shooting of Dallas police officers by condemning the "heinous acts of violence" and expressing heartbreak over the murders.

2016: Congratulations on Trump's Victory

In 2016, after the elections, George W. Bush, his father, and his brother Jeb called Donald Trump on the phone to congratulate him on his victory.

January 20, 2017: Attendance at Trump's Inauguration

On January 20, 2017, George W. Bush and his wife Laura attended Donald Trump's first inauguration. Images of Bush struggling with a rain poncho at the event became an internet meme, and he allegedly described the ceremony as "some weird shit".

September 7, 2017: Bush partners with former presidents for hurricane relief

On September 7, 2017, George W. Bush joined Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama to form One America Appeal, aiding victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma in the Gulf Coast and Texas.

September 1, 2018: Eulogy at John McCain's Funeral

On September 1, 2018, George W. Bush and Laura Bush attended the funeral of John McCain at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where Bush delivered a speech.

September 2018: Bush passes mints to Michelle Obama at McCain funeral

In September 2018, George W. Bush famously passed mints to Michelle Obama during Senator John McCain's funeral, continuing their friendly interaction.

December 2018: Bush again shares mints with Michelle Obama

In December 2018, George W. Bush shared mints with Michelle Obama again during the funeral of his father, George H.W. Bush.

May 2019: Bush draws portrait of Roh Moo-hyun

In May 2019, George W. Bush drew a portrait of former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun to give to his family on the tenth anniversary of Roh's death.

May 2019: Visit to South Korea to Pay Respects to Roh Moo-hyun

In May 2019, on the tenth anniversary of former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun's death, George W. Bush visited South Korea to pay respects to Roh, delivering a short eulogy.

June 1, 2020: Statement on the Murder of George Floyd

On June 1, 2020, George W. Bush released a statement addressing the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent nationwide reaction and protests, expressing anguish and concern over racial injustice.

2020: Virtual Fundraiser and Election Response

In 2020, George W. Bush held a virtual fundraiser for several U.S. senators up for reelection. After the election was called for Joe Biden, Bush congratulated him and Kamala Harris, and issued a statement acknowledging the election's fairness.

January 6, 2021: Condemnation of U.S. Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, following the U.S. Capitol attack, George W. Bush released a statement condemning the violence, comparing it to how election results are disputed in a banana republic and echoing president-elect Biden's message that it was an "insurrection."

April 2021: Disclosure of 2020 Election Vote

In April 2021, George W. Bush told People magazine that he did not vote for either Donald Trump or Joe Biden in the 2020 election, instead writing in Condoleezza Rice.

September 11, 2021: Speech at Flight 93 National Memorial

On September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, George W. Bush gave a speech at the Flight 93 National Memorial, praising the heroism of the people on Flight 93 and the spirit of America.

2023: Throws the first pitch in Game 1 of the World Series

In 2023, George W. Bush threw the first pitch in Game 1 of the World Series.

July 13, 2024: Condemnation of Assassination Attempt on Trump

On July 13, 2024, George W. Bush condemned the assassination attempt on then-former president Donald Trump, calling it "cowardly" and applauding the Secret Service's response.

January 20, 2025: Attendance at Trump's Second Inauguration

On January 20, 2025, George W. Bush and his wife attended Donald Trump's second inauguration.

November 17, 2025: Appearance on Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli

On November 17, 2025, George W. Bush appeared on Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, discussing his sports fandom, including the Houston Astros and Houston Oilers, and his switch to supporting the Dallas Cowboys after getting to know Jerry Jones.